Lamar Jackson Is Outside Top 5 in Pete Prisco's Top 100 Players of 2025
The Ravens are well-represented in CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco’s annual ranking of the top 100 players, but his placement of Lamar Jackson is a head-scratcher.
Despite coming off one of the best seasons ever for a quarterback, Jackson landed at No. 6 and was only the third highest-ranked quarterback on the list.
"Jackson continues to put up big numbers and he has improved in all facets of his game," Prisco wrote. "He just has to be able to do more in the playoffs when it is time to do so. He is the best dual-threat quarterback in the game."
It's not the first time one could make a strong case that Jackson was too low in Prisco's rankings. After Jackson won his second MVP in 2023, he was No. 16 in last year's rankings. Jackson was No. 35 the year prior.
The Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes took the top spot this year. The Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen (No. 4) was the other quarterback ranked ahead of Jackson. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (No. 2), Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (No. 3), and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (No. 5) also came in above Jackson.
On a side note, Jackson was named the Professional Football Writers of America's MVP for the third time in his career and was presented with the award at minicamp Tuesday.
Overall, the Ravens had six players in Prisco's rankings, tied for third-most with the Chiefs. The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles led the way with 10, followed by the Detroit Lions (eight).
Here are the other Ravens who were ranked:
No. 14 – RB Derrick Henry
"All King Henry did was rush for 1,921 yards in his first season with the Ravens to show he's far from slowing down. At 31, he is beating back Father Time – for now. (Last season: No. 91)"
No. 36 – S Kyle Hamilton
"Hamilton can do so many things and when he moved to free safety full time last season it changed the Ravens defense. He is also capable of being a menace near the line of scrimmage if asked to do so. (Last season: No. 36)"
No. 53 – C Tyler Linderbaum
"Linderbaum has developed into one of the better centers in the league. He is good in the run game, which helped key Derrick Henry's big season in 2024. Expect the Ravens to give him a hefty contract extension in the near future. (Last season: No. 100)"
No. 68 – CB Marlon Humphrey
"After a disappointing 2023 season, Humphrey played well in 2024, tying for the league lead for corners with six picks. He excels in the slot for the Ravens. (Last season: NR)"
No. 87 – ILB Roquan Smith
"After an impressive 2023 season, Smith's play tailed off early last year – like much of the Ravens defense. But he rebounded in the second half to show off his all-around abilities. He can do so many things for the Baltimore defense. (Last season: No. 40)"
Ian Rapoport Discusses Potential Contract Extension for Isaiah Likely
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted Tuesday that the Ravens have had a very productive offseason, including re-signing left tackle Ronnie Stanley and extending the contracts of Henry and wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
Rapoport pointed out that the Ravens have several other extension candidates, most notably Jackson. Hamilton and Linderbaum are also in line for new deals. Tight end Isaiah Likely is another player who could be extended sooner than later, Rapoport said.
"I know the Ravens really see him as the future of the tight end position, even if they still see Mark Andrews with a big role this year," Rapoport said. "How they handle the Isaiah Likely situation – are they able to lock him up at some point before the season? – will be really interesting for Baltimore as well."
Likely, 25, has improved every year and has delivered whenever Andrews was sidelined and he was featured more.
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec also mentioned Likely when discussing the Ravens' extension candidates last month.
"The closer a young player gets to free agency, the harder it gets to re-sign him. If Likely has a big year in 2025, he'll only be more expensive," Zrebiec wrote. "Likely may not be the team's biggest priority, but it would be a plus for General Manager Eric DeCosta to solidify his long-term status."
Predicting Ravens' 2025 Statistical Leaders
Baltimore Beatdown’s Frank Platko recently predicted the Ravens' statistical leader in each major category for the 2025 season.
While some were no-brainers (Jackson in passing, Henry in rushing, Smith in tackles), others were less predictable. Here's a look at three:
Receiving touchdowns: Likely
"The momentum for a breakout season from Likely continues to build and there very well may be a more even-split between [Likely and Andrews] at tight end in 2025. Likely caught a career-best six touchdowns last year with a mix of red zone targets and long scores. He'd need a few more than that next season to match or exceed Andrews and Rashod Bateman's scoring to lead the Ravens in touchdown catches. Jackson may spread the ball around enough for that to happen as his chemistry and connection with Likely takes another step forward."
Sacks and quarterback hits: Odafe Oweh
"Oweh appears primed to take another step forward and build upon his 10-sack performance in 2024. He was only 2.5 sacks behind [team leader] Kyle Van Noy last year, so it's not a high mountain to climb for him to lead this category."
Interceptions: Hamilton
"All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey had a career-high six interceptions last season. He was the only player on the Ravens with more than two. However, while Humphrey is a great playmaker, this interception total was a bit of an outlier, as his previous single-season best was three and he totaled six interceptions combined in the previous four seasons. Hamilton had only one interception last season but recorded four in 2023; and he could have had more in 2024 if not for a couple of drops."
Daniel Faalele Named Ravens' Make-or-Break Player
Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman named a make-or-break player for every team this season, which he defined as players who have reached "a crossroads in their careers and can single-handedly make or break the success of their team's season."
Right guard Daniel Faalele was Wasserman's choice for the Ravens.
"Faalele is entering the final season of his rookie contract as the Ravens' starting right guard," Wasserman wrote. "After transitioning there from offensive tackle last season, he posted a mediocre 61.8 PFF overall grade. His potential improvement will be crucial for his career and Baltimore's chances to win the Super Bowl this season."
PFF grade aside, Faalele held his own last season and was named a Pro Bowl alternate. He won the starting right guard job in training camp and played every single offensive snap in every regular season game.
